THE boss of Yellow Buses has responded to criticism about their recent performance, claiming road works have "played havoc" with their services.

Roy Edgley, managing director, said that there have been a number of comments from members of public about their sub-standard service.

The lengthy road works on Castle Lane East and now the Spur Road have resulted in services falling behind schedule.

Some drivers have even been subjected to abuse from angry passengers and this has led to some leaving the company, Mr Edgley added.

He said: "Since October 2003, we have been subjected to continuous road works throughout our operating network, not just at Bournemouth Hospital.

"I accept such work has to be carried out but it obviously plays havoc with our services. It has led to substantial late running and the resultant late starts on subsequent routes.

"Drivers are stuck in standing traffic and, although it is beyond their control, suffer abuse from some members of the public when they eventually arrive at a stop.

"Not surprisingly some have become very frustrated and have left the company. All of these factors have contributed to our service not being to the standard either we or our customers should expect."

Mr Edgley said that in the few days after the lights outside the hospital became operational, and before the closure of the Spur Road, their service returned to normal timimg and staff morale improved considerably.

He added: "When faced with congestion on a certain trip, motorists have the advantage of being able to take an alternative route and go via back roads if they wish to. This is not an option for the bus."

Now Yellow Buses are recruiting new drivers in a bid to boost staffing levels.

"We are confident when the road works at the hospital and on the Spur Road have finished our service will become reliable again.

"Many of the difficulties since October 2003 have been outside of our control.

"To get people out of their cars and on to public transport the situation has to improve, but we are determined to do everything within our power to achieve this objective."

First published: September 11